Erle Stanley Gardner was a prolific mystery writer, well-known for creating the sharp-witted lawyer Perry Mason. His novel The Case of the Velvet Claws started one of literary mystery's best-known series.
If you enjoy reading books by Erle Stanley Gardner then you might also like the following authors:
Raymond Chandler is famous for his private detective Philip Marlowe, a tough yet thoughtful investigator working the gritty streets of Los Angeles. Chandler's writing style combines sharp, witty dialogue with vivid descriptions and moral ambiguity.
If you enjoyed Gardner's Perry Mason novels, you might like Chandler's classic The Big Sleep, a detective story full of twists, smart banter, and complex characters.
Dashiell Hammett brings readers into the dark and shadowy world of crime with straightforward prose and realistic plots. His detective, Sam Spade, solves cases through logic, resilience, and a strong sense of personal honor.
Fans of Gardner's tight plotting should give Hammett's The Maltese Falcon a try; it's a fast-paced mystery full of twists and memorable characters.
If you appreciate Gardner's complex criminal puzzles and courtroom drama, you'll likely enjoy Ross Macdonald. His detective Lew Archer is thoughtful and perceptive, solving mysteries by understanding human nature and hidden motives.
Macdonald's prose is clear, insightful, and emotionally rich. Start with The Moving Target, an intriguing mystery about family secrets, greed, and hidden truths.
Rex Stout introduces readers to eccentric genius detective Nero Wolfe and his insightful assistant Archie Goodwin. Stout's mysteries rely heavily on wit, strong dialogue, and clever deductions rather than dramatic action.
Readers who love Gardner's courtroom intelligence and clear characterizations would likely enjoy Stout’s Fer-de-Lance, a murder investigation combined with smart humor and sharp reasoning.
Mickey Spillane offers hard-hitting noir detective stories featuring the tough guy private detective Mike Hammer. Spillane's style is direct, tough, and unapologetically brutal, often tackling gritty street-level crimes and violent confrontations.
If you like Gardner's quick pacing but want a bit more adrenaline, try Spillane's I, the Jury, a gritty story filled with suspense and memorable tough-guy dialogue.
If you like Erle Stanley Gardner's sharp storytelling and memorable detective characters, give John D. MacDonald a try. MacDonald is best known for his Travis McGee series, detective novels filled with suspense and smart dialogue.
A good starting point is The Deep Blue Good-by, introducing McGee as an engaging, introspective hero who solves crimes with wit and insight.
James M. Cain writes quick-paced crime novels full of dark plots and flawed characters. Like Gardner, he can tightly weave a story that keeps you entangled until the end. Try The Postman Always Rings Twice, Cain's classic tale of suspense driven by desperation and fatal choices.
Jim Thompson's crime novels are intense and gritty, focusing deeply on troubled characters and moral ambiguity. If you're drawn to Gardner’s tough storytelling, you'll appreciate Thompson’s style, which often explores twisted and complex minds.
The Killer Inside Me is a prime example—dark, gripping, and impossible to put down.
Cornell Woolrich is great if you're looking for suspenseful mysteries with a strong emotional pull and psychological edge. Like Gardner, Woolrich knows how to build tension and throw unexpected twists your way.
A good starting point is his classic thriller, Rear Window, known for its tight plotting and suspense-filled narrative.
For readers interested in clever plots and careful analytical thinking, Ellery Queen's mysteries are ideal. Queen, the pseudonym of two talented authors, crafts puzzle-like mysteries that are sharp yet playful.
If you enjoy Gardner’s precise style, try The Greek Coffin Mystery, which will engage your logic and keep you guessing until the final reveal.
Agatha Christie is a great choice if you loved Gardner's puzzle-solving and sharp courtroom reveals. Her mysteries often revolve around clever detectives piecing together clues one by one. Much like Gardner, Christie builds tight plots and subtly misleads the reader.
In her famous novel Murder on the Orient Express, detective Hercule Poirot meticulously uncovers the truth behind a seemingly impossible murder aboard a stranded train.
Georges Simenon's novels are perfect for fans of Gardner who enjoy exploring the human side of crime. His stories focus less on courtroom drama and more on psychological insight and character motivations, grounded in real human behavior.
Inspector Maigret, Simenon's thoughtful detective, patiently and empathetically pieces together cases amidst the streets of Paris. Try his novel Maigret Sets a Trap for a good introduction to his style.
Ed McBain offers readers solid police procedural storytelling. His approach is direct and gritty, with believable characters who deal with everyday pressures alongside their investigative work.
If you liked Gardner's clear writing style, you'll probably enjoy McBain's accessible storytelling, as seen in his novel Cop Hater, the first in his acclaimed 87th Precinct series.
Lawrence Block delivers crime fiction with a wisecracking tone and clever plotting. His detective, Matthew Scudder, is a troubled former policeman navigating complex cases on the gritty streets of New York City.
Like Gardner, Block keeps the reader guessing and creates engaging dialogue and intriguing characters. His novel The Sins of the Fathers is a great starting point.
Robert B. Parker's books are fast-paced, combining crisp dialogue, humor, and solid plotting. Similar to Gardner's punchy wit and tight storytelling, Parker writes enjoyable mysteries featuring memorable detectives.
His detective Spenser is both smart and relatable, solving cases with tough-guy charm as in the entertaining novel The Godwulf Manuscript.